NICE medical technology guidance [MTG17]
Published date:
March 2014

NICE has developed medical technology guidance on the Debrisoft monofilament debridement pad for use in acute or chronic wounds.

NICE medical technologies guidance addresses specific technologies notified to NICE by manufacturers. The ‘case for adoption’ recommendations are based on the claimed advantages of introducing the specific technology compared with current management of the condition. This ‘case’ is reviewed against the evidence submitted and expert advice. If the case for adopting the technology is supported, then the technology has been found to offer advantages to patients and the NHS. The specific recommendations on individual technologies are not intended to limit use of other relevant technologies which may offer similar advantages.

NICE has said that the Debrisoft pad can be used by healthcare workers treating wounds in either adults or children in community clinics or at home. The available evidence is mainly in adults with chronic wounds. Healthcare teams may want to use the Debrisoft pad because the evidence shows that it debrides appropriate wounds more quickly, with fewer nurse visits, than other debridement methods. This will save money. It is also convenient, easy to use and well tolerated by patients.

Pressure ulcers (NICE clinical guideline 29) makes evidence-based recommendations on the management of pressure ulcers in primary and secondary care; an updated guideline is planned for publication in April 2014.